Dallas G Martin should play in opener

ARLINGTON, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys received the good news they expected after a preseason knee injury to Zack Martin, the highest-paid guard in the NFL.

Two people with knowledge of the diagnosis said Sunday that Martin has no structural damage in his hyperextended left knee and should be ready for the opener.

Martin was injured in the second quarter of the Cowboys’ 21-13 exhibition loss to Cincinnati on Saturday night. The people told The Associated Press that an MRI confirmed the Cowboys’ belief that the injury wasn’t serious. They spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official update on Martin’s status.

The Cowboys open the season Sept. 9 at Carolina.

Martin signed a six-year, $84 million extension with $40 million guaranteed during the offseason. The 27year-old has made the Pro Bowl all four seasons in Dallas and started all 67 games, including three playoff games.

Bills QB AJ McCarron getting 2nd opinion on shoulder injury: The Buffalo Bills’ offseason-long quarterback competition is down to two players now that AJ McCarron is seeking a second opinion to determine the severity of an injury to his throwing shoulder.

Coach Sean McDermott on Sunday declined to reveal many details on McCarron’s status except to say the team is still evaluating the injury after initial tests were inconclusive.

Barkley runs alone as New York Giants return to practice: First-round draft pick Saquon Barkley ran on his own as the New York Giants returned to practice.

The former Penn State running back drafted No. 2 overall carried a ball and ran at roughly three-quarter speed Sunday as strength and conditioning coach Aaron Wellman watched.

Barkley strained a hamstring catching a pass out of the backfield at practice last Monday.

Chiefs sign CB Scandrick to $1.5M contract for this season: The Kansas City Chiefs have signed veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick to a contract for this season that could be worth up to $1.5 million, filling an area of need after an offseason overhaul of their secondary. The longtime Cowboys cornerback signed a $10 million, two-year deal with the Redskins in March. He was released Tuesday and visited the Chiefs this past week.

Bengals release safety George Iloka: The Bengals have released safety George Iloka, clearing the way for rookie Jessie Bates III to move into a starting role.

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